I have read, with interest, your request for repertory suggestions in a
lighter vein. There are a number of contemporary concert rags that are
really challenging. William Bolcom and William Albright have both written
and published a number of concert rags and rag suites. A collaborative
effort from the two of them, "Brass Knuckles," the last piece in a set of
three, comes to mind, although there are many. Bernstein's piano pieces
have all been recorded, but not much party fun there. Personally, I prefer
to play those that have beautiful melodies rather than fistfuls of tone
clusters. You might try some of Hal Isbitz's concert rags or tangos.
His "Blue Gardenia," is great, or "Chandelier Rag;" or for something more
Latin, Brazilian composer, not contemporary, Ernesto Nazareth's "Odeon."
In fact, most of the works of both are really fun, and tricky. Donald
Ashwander also wrote a number of really good concert rags and tangos.
On the more serious side, "Dark Playgrounds." Something splashy and with
big sumptuous chords would be his "Peacock Colors." One of his pieces,
one of the more playful ones, has been recorded in the ballet, "Elite
Syncopations." I don't believe there is a "party piece" by Rach, but some
people might think so. The early rags, such as Joplin's "Maple Leaf," etc.
perhaps are not as formal as you might have in mind, not to say "done
to death" by everyone. If you want to send your address, I will send a
sample sheet for you to try, or I could give you the address of Isbitz
and investigate the Nazareth and Ashwander for you. Ashwander died
recently and I'm not sure where the scores come from now. Although I
held publishing rights for a time, his death changed the agreement. The
Nazareth (nah-sah-RAY) pieces are, of course, in the public domain and
I could xerox a couple of them for you if you can't find them. There are
many popular, jazzy, pieces from the composers of the 1920's. Clarence
Williams, James P. Johnson, Duke Ellington, etc. There is a folio
collection of these from Belwin Mills. The name escapes me at the moment,
but will ponder it. What about Billy Mayerl? There is a real challenge!
Sincerely,
Ralph D. White
Gloria Ross Designs &
B&W Recording Company
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